Tag Archives: Business

How to Reduce Risk As we gathered for the AFSA convention in Las Vegas, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a client several years ago. He stated that he used to enjoy going to Las Vegas to gamble, but since entering the contracting business he doesn’t enjoy …

Sprinkler Industry 2016 Review and 2017 Forecast What a year 2016 turned out to be! With the presidential election result, some are wondering what does the New Year hold for the economy, and in particular, the fire sprinkler industry? However, market forecasters are holding onto their initial forecasts, saying foundations put in place in …

Take Your Organization to the Next Level Do you work in a harmonious business environment? If so, you could be mired in mediocrity or headed for extinction. While the thought of working in a “culture of conflict” sounds like a painful existence, it could be the differentiator that pushes your …

A Handy Tool to Identify Your Customer’s Financial Condition Over the years I have found customers fall into three specific stages while doing business on open credit with our clients. Learning how to identify these stages “arms” my clients so they know exactly what to do and when – and their …

Costly Consequences for Worker Misclassification When business is growing and companies are adding workers, classifying employment status of each one can be tricky. Accidental misclassification of workers carries penalties and payment of back wages. Intentional misclassification of workers can carry criminal penalties and back wages. Since the Fair Labor Standards …

The Next Generation is an Excellent Resource Any great business has at least two of the following goals: to make money and to grow the business as far as they can using whatever tools and resources they have to make it happen. Some of the tools may be equipment, material …

Understand Your Motives, Research the Pitfalls Expanding a fire protection business by opening branch offices is a risky undertaking. If critical elements are not in place, branch offices can become costly disasters. However, if the key areas outlined in this article are adequately addressed, opening branch offices can be a …

Reaching a Consensus on Strategic Direction Among the many issues that confront family businesses in times of generational transition, strategic direction can be crucial. The strategy that has provided direction for the business during the incumbent generation’s watch may be faltering or tired or largely completed. Strategic modifications, reinvigoration or …

Connect With NextGen The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is making a new effort to attract the Next Generation of employees from within our membership. To make this effort successful we need to start at the local level. With Generation Y taking over the work force, this effort comes at …